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Sunday, June 10, 2012

Prayers of Gratitude

Awareness of nature and gratitude for time outdoors is a form of prayer for me. It's difficult to explain the pleasure and satisfaction, when one out of one hundred photographs comes close to capturing the magnificence of a wildflower for example.

When I feel a glimpse of success -- a good image seen at the click of the shutter -- I whisper, "Thankyou God !" Sometimes I say it out loud, even though I'm usually alone out there with my camera. Even if they're not whispered or spoken, my mere thoughts of thanks are prayers. Offered, and, I believe, acknowledged as praise... for the Glory of His creation.

Awareness is enhanced by careful scrutiny. Slow down enough to examine the little piece of nature that first attracted your attention. Given more time, the smallest details can appear to you, become clear to you.

Nearly every form of life in a close-up view is fascinating. Drop in, drop down; look longer, linger. When you visit nature, let curiosity become your best friend.

Try to be open to the revelations in nature. And when you find yourself thinking "Wow!" you might want to whisper a simple three-word prayer:

"Thank you God!"

I also want to give sincere thanks to all the readers and loyal "Followers" of WWFN. Thank you for being here for these two months. I will continue to be here for you.

Readers' Comments

"Happened across Richard while walking along Honey Creek. A wonderfully divine spirit as you may guess from his writings. I have been following him ever since. Thanks for accepting the assignment, Richard. He is glorified!" ~ Bill Sleeman - CEO/President @ Proteus Innovative Technologies - Grand Rapids, Michigan

"I think of you and your calling in life during your encore years. You help others experience awe! What greater thing could you do with your gifts? Thank you for all that you do. You bless me richly." ~ Jill Harkema - Grand Rapids Foundation - "Encore Program"

"Superb! Richard, because you are paying attention to the beauty around you, we are blessed. Thank you. - Carol O'Casey - Oregon - Author/Blogger: "The Divine Nature Project".

"Your blog is beautiful. May you continue to glorify God with your creative gifts and inspire others to seek Him... in all that they do." - Danielle Street - New Jersey - Author/Blogger: "Journey Towards Maturity"

"Richard: It has been a blessing to find and follow your WWFN site. Your words capture and articulate what my heart feels... the gifts of nature on earth are just the beginning of our joy. The imagery is beautiful and the Haiku so very anticipatory and intimate. You have a gift for making people think and ask questions... and leave them wanting more." - Leilani Carroll - R.N., Child of God, Christian Servant. Birmingham, Alabama

"Your photography is admirable, and your Poetry using the images is effective and compelling and is a forever language. Nature is the art of God. I wish you the higher points and more blessings. With respect and admiration, Maryam Sepasi - Iran

"I like "Box Turtle Poem" so much! I plan to read a lot more of your writing -- it is simply told, and subtly informative. A sense of wonder in our natural world is woven into your voice. To inspire wonder -- what better calling or purpose than this?" - Bonnie Roberts - Alabama - Poet, Editor, Publisher @ "Mule on a Ferris Wheel"